TPGS offers poultry breeding solutions to empower women and fight malnutrition in Africa and southeast Asia

Poultry farming plays an essential role in rural livelihoods of Africa and southeast Asia, contributing to family nutrition and income.

Despite this, the poultry subsector faces several challenges in these regions: low investment and low output, high young bird mortality, and being perceived as a hobby.

Tropical Poultry Genetics Solutions (TPGS), a science-led project implemented by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is working to reshape how rural communities engage with poultry farming by developing locally improved chicken breeds and thus contributing to nutrition, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

Running from August 2022 to July 2025, the project is being implemented in six countries in Africa and three in Southeast Asia.

TPGS was created on the successes of the Africa Chicken Genetic Gains project, which tested and made available high-producing, farmer-preferred chicken strains, boosting productivity for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania.

While these exotic strains effectively addressed farmers’ needs, there was growing recognition of the need for local solutions in achieving long-term impact.

As a result, TPGS is focusing on developing local breeds that are more productive and home-grown.

Through genetic innovation, community partnerships and policy engagement, TPGS is striving to deliver chickens that are productive and thrive in the toughest conditions in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Vietnam.

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Photo: Chickens on a poultry farm in Kiambu County, Kenya (ILRI/Hung Nguyen-Viet)

Curated by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI